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Nostalgic Orange Creamsicle Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 36 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Nostalgic Orange Creamsicle Salad is a delightful no-cook dessert salad featuring a creamy blend of instant vanilla pudding, cottage cheese, and whipped topping, combined with sweet mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and crushed pineapple. This retro salad is chilled to soften the marshmallows and meld the flavors, making it a refreshing and creamy treat perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry mix only)
  • 1 (24 oz) container cottage cheese
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • Extra mandarin segments for garnish
  • Shredded coconut or chopped pecans for crunch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine pudding and cottage cheese: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the dry instant vanilla pudding mix and cottage cheese until fully combined, ensuring the pudding is evenly distributed throughout the cottage cheese.
  2. Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding and cottage cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
  3. Add marshmallows and oranges: Carefully fold in the drained mandarin oranges and mini marshmallows, stirring gently to avoid breaking the delicate fruit segments.
  4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the mini marshmallows to soften and the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve: Scoop the chilled salad into a large serving bowl or into individual dessert cups. Garnish with extra mandarin orange segments and, if desired, sprinkle with shredded coconut or chopped pecans for added texture and crunch.

Notes

  • Make sure to drain the canned mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple well to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • For extra texture, you can add toasted shredded coconut or chopped pecans as a garnish.
  • This salad is best served chilled and can be made several hours ahead.
  • If using fresh fruit, substitute mandarins for a fresh citrus twist.
  • Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

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Find it online: https://speedyhomecooking.com/nostalgic-orange-creamsicle-salad-recipe/